If you’re planning to apply to universities in the United States or Canada, you’ll likely need to submit GPA scores. Indian universities use a different grading system, so it’s necessary to convert these scores to align with the American standards. This is where World Education Services (WES) comes in handy. WES is a non-profit organisation dedicated to assisting international students, refugees, and immigrants in achieving their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. Serving as a trusted leader in credential evaluation services, WES collaborates with over 48,000 global higher education institutions in more than 200 countries. Annually, WES evaluates over 100,000 cases, making it the largest credential evaluator in North America. The organisation plays a crucial role in facilitating the academic and professional aspirations of students and alumni.
| Topic | WES Evaluation Process Highlights |
| WES Products | – Free Degree Equivalency: Online tool for comparing international degrees to US/Canada – WES ICAP: Consolidates transcripts and evaluation reports, sent securely to institutions – WES Basic: Essential document evaluation service – WES IGPA Calculator: Converts international grades to a 4.0 GPA scale |
| WES Evaluation of Indian Master’s Degrees | – WES’s updated policy recognises select Indian master’s degrees as equivalent to North American degrees – Benefits for Indian degree holders |
| WES Necessity for US/Canada | – Depends on university/immigration programme requirements – Recommended for Express Entry (Canada PR). – Alternative agencies for ECA in the USA |
| WES Evaluation Process | – Document collection, authentication, evaluation, analysis, and quality control – 7-10 days timeline |
| WES Cost and Validity | – Evaluation fee $160, rush and express delivery available with additional charges – Documents required: graduation certificate, academic transcripts – Validity: 5 years for Indian students |
| List of Universities Requiring WES | – UBC, UofT, UofA, MIT, UPenn, Yale, Harvard, Princeton – Check specific university admission requirements |
What is WES Evaluation?
World Education Services evaluation (WES) is one of the world’s largest credential evaluation services that makes it easier for educational institutions and employers in the US and Canada to understand the applicant’s academic abilities. With this evaluation, you can pursue further education or look for a job in these countries. It is among the oldest evaluation services and is also a founding member of NACES (National Association of Credential Services).
The WES step-by-step process involves reviews from both documentation and education system specialists. The document collection, authentication, evaluation, analysis, and quality control standards of WES lead to more accurate evaluation reports.
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Different Services Offered By WES
It’s advisable to initiate the WES education assessment process as soon as you’ve decided on the universities you plan to apply to. This allows sufficient time to gather all the necessary documents and degrees. WES provides three distinct products to assist individuals in the credential evaluation process:
- Free Degree Equivalency: This online tool helps in understanding how international university degrees compare to those in the US or Canada. It aids students in determining their eligibility for higher education.
- WES International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP): This service from WES consolidates verified transcripts and evaluation reports into one package, which is then sent to universities. WES securely stores these documents and information for potential future academic or professional use.
- WES International Grade Point Average (IGPA) Calculator: A complimentary online tool that calculates and converts international grades from over 140 countries into the commonly used four-point GPA scale in the US.
Is WES Necessary For The US Or Canada?
The necessity of a WES evaluation in the United States and Canada depends on the requirements of the specific university or immigration programme. If a university explicitly requests a WES assessment, it is mandatory to submit it. While most Canadian colleges may not mandate an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from WES, some universities may require it. It is generally recommended for students to undergo ECA through WES.
For individuals applying for Canada PR through Express Entry, an ECA is essential, and WES is one of the organisations that provide this service. However, WES is not the sole entity involved in ECA; other designated organisations include:
- Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Service – British Columbia Institute of Technology
- In the case of studying in the USA, as well as for job seekers, WES evaluations may be required by certain institutions. Alternative agencies that provide Educational
Credential Assessment (ECA) in the USA include:
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
- Josef Silny & Associates International Education Consultants (JS&A)
- Educated Choices, LLC
- American Education and Translation Services (AET)
- Ultimately, the need for a WES evaluation depends on the specific requirements outlined by the educational institution or immigration programme.
What To Choose- WES ICAP Or WES Basic?
There are 2 packages provided by WES evaluation – WES ICAP and WES Basic. The table provides a comparison between the recommended WES ICAP and the more basic WES Basic service, outlining the features offered by each, along with the respective pricing.
| Features | WES ICAP (Recommended) | WES Basic |
| Verified World Education Services transcripts stored and sent to institutions | Yes | No |
| WES document accreditation | Yes | Yes |
| Lists of all courses completed at the post-secondary level | Yes | Yes |
| U.S semester credit and grade equivalent for each course | Yes | Yes |
| U.S grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale | Yes | Yes |
| Designates the level (upper or lower) of each undergraduate course | Yes | No |
| Price | $225 | $176 |
When To Get Your Credentials Evaluated by WES?
A WES credential evaluation is a comparison of your academic accomplishments to the standards in the U.S. or Canada. This report helps institutions like schools, employers, licensing boards, or immigration authorities better understand your educational background. A Report from the WES evaluation process identifies and describes your credentials. It verifies that your credentials are authentic. At times, it may include your Grade Point Average (GPA) equivalency. Additionally, it also includes an evaluation of the authenticity of your documents.
As soon as you decide to study abroad, you can have your credentials evaluated by WES. The WES Evaluation will assist you in both admissions and job applications. Since the WES evaluation timeline is 7-10 days, you should evaluate your credentials accordingly.
WES Evaluation Of Select Master’s Degrees Earned In India
In May 2022, World Education Services (WES) implemented a new policy regarding the evaluation of select master’s degrees earned in India. This policy recognises the evolving and strengthening Indian higher education system by evaluating certain master’s degrees as equivalent to those conferred in the United States or Canada.
Here’s a breakdown of the policy:
What changed?
Previously, WES had evaluated some Indian master’s degrees as Bachelor’s degrees or Post Graduate Diplomas due to differences in programme structure and credit systems. The new policy recognises the academic rigour of certain Indian master’s programmes, awarding them equivalent status to North American master’s degrees.
Which degrees are affected?
The policy applies to select master’s degrees from accredited Indian universities. Unfortunately, a specific list of accredited universities or eligible degrees isn’t publicly available.
How can I find out if my degree qualifies?
You can use the WES degree equivalency tool on their website to get an initial idea. For a definitive answer, you’ll need to submit a full WES evaluation application.
Benefits of the policy:
- Indian master’s degree holders can confidently present their credentials as equivalent to North American degrees
- This opens doors for opportunities in graduate studies, professional licensing, and employment in the US and Canada
- It recognises the quality of Indian higher education and fosters academic internationalisation
Additional points to consider:
- The policy only applies to WES evaluation for Indian students
- Evaluations, not other credential evaluation services
- Different institutions and organisations may have varying requirements for degree equivalency
- Always check with the receiving institution or organisation for their specific requirements
When To Get Your Credentials Evaluated By WES?
As soon as you decide to study abroad, you can have your credentials evaluated by WES. The WES Evaluation will assist you in both admissions and job applications. Since the WES Evaluation process takes 7-10 days, you should evaluate your credentials accordingly.
How To Begin The WES Evaluation Process?
The following steps should be followed to begin the WES process.
- Step 1 – Apply to WES on the website and get a reference number.
- Step 2 – Arrange all the required documents and get them delivered to the WES by your college along with the full payment in a sealed envelope. There exists an option for electronically transferring your documents, but these are available only in selected countries.
WES does not accept documents sent by students, agents, or any other person. Make sure your educational institution is the only one sending the documents. Once the documents have been received by the WES, your evaluation will begin. It usually takes 7 business days after receiving the document to generate a report for you. If additional research or WES verification process is required in your case, then the time taken may exceed.
Documents Required For WES Credit Evaluation
The following documents are required for the WES Evaluation process:
- Certificate of graduation (provisional can also be used)
- Academic transcripts or annual grade reports
(It should be noted that all documents must be dated and signed by the designated authority)
WES Evaluation Validity
For Indian students, the entire WES evaluation takes about 7-10 days. Furthermore, the WES Evaluation has a 5-year validity period.
List Of Universities That Require WES
Listed below are some of the top universities that require WES Evaluation-
- University of British Columbia
- University of Toronto
- University of Alberta
- MIT
- University of Pennsylvania
- Yale University
- Harvard University
- Princeton University
You can always check a university’s admission requirements to see if they require you to have your scores evaluated. If you’re still unsure whether you should have it evaluated, you can always contact the admissions office.
The WES evaluation isn’t the only website that provides these services. Other websites include:
- Educational Credential Evaluators
- Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
- Education International, Inc.
What Is The Cost Of WES Evaluation?
To obtain a WES evaluation as an international student, there are associated fees depending on the applicant’s status as an undergraduate, transfer, or graduate student. The WES evaluation costs are detailed as follows:
- For a document-by-document WES basic evaluation for Freshman admissions, the fee is USD 107
- For a course-to-course WES basic evaluation for Transfer admissions, the cost is USD 170
- A WES basic course-to-course evaluation for Graduate admission is also USD 170
Additional charges apply for international students applying for WES Evaluation, and the breakdown is provided in the following table:
| Mode of WES Evaluation Delivery | Costs Incurred |
| Standard mode of delivery (tracking not included) | USD 11 |
| International Courier Services (with tracking) | USD 78 |
| 1-Day Shipping for US address | USD 37 |
| 2-Day Shipping for US address | USD 26 |
| Shipping between 3-5 days | USD 16 |
| Per Envelope Cost (sealed) | USD 06 |
| Per Duplicate Reports (ordered at the time of WES application) | USD 32 |
It’s important to note that these costs are subject to change, and applicants should verify the current fees before applying for evaluation, considering submission deadlines.
What Is The Process of WES Evaluation?
The WES credit evaluation process involves four basic steps. Each of the steps is explained below –
Step 1 – Document Imaging
In the first step, evaluators ensure that WES has received all required documents in the manner specified for that country and credential. When the documents arrive at WES, documentation specialists review each individual page and scan it into the system.
Step 2 – Document Review And Authentication
In this stage, document examiners compare the scanned images to the physical documents received to make sure that the file is complete and submitted in the manner specified by WES. This step also ensures that the documents are authentic and issued by a duly recognised institution. After reviewing, they determine whether the documents should be accepted or not.
Step 3 – Analysis And Equivalency Assessment
The next phase of WES credit evaluation involves document analysis and evaluation. A team of analysts with country-specific knowledge handles this operation. They review the authenticated documents for accuracy and completeness.
The analysts will decide on the next steps and update your account accordingly. If the evaluators determine that all the required documents have been received in the manner specified by WES and that they are authentic and complete, they will queue the file for evaluation and issue an estimated date of completion. Analysts will then evaluate the documents and assess their equivalency in terms of Canadian or U.S. education.
Step 4 – Evaluation Report Production
In the fourth and final step, the evaluator issues the credential evaluation report. This final phase also involves quality control. Specialists review the report draft and make any necessary changes. Then, they send the report for printing and mailing or electronic delivery.
Each step is essential in creating an accurate and high-value report. We hope now you have the answer to your question: what is the process of WES evaluation?
Hope this guide helped you understand the WES procedure completely. If you need any more information feel free to comment below.
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FAQs
Q1. What is WES evaluation?
Ans: A WES evaluation is your ticket to further education and work. Whether you wish to further your education, obtain professional certification, or work in the United States, the WES examination ensures that your foreign academic qualifications are recognised.
Q2. How do I start a WES process?
Ans: The WES process is a simple 3-step procedure – Submit the WES application form and receive the reference number. Send your documents (include your reference number). Then, a report is created and delivered to the recipients.
Q3. How long does it take to get a WES evaluation?
Ans: Depending on the type of service you need, WES can finish your evaluation in 7 business days or less. If further analysis, correspondence, or validation is necessary, the assessment will take longer.
Q4. Can I get a WES evaluation for free?
Ans: There are certain fees that you will be required to pay for the WES evaluation. However, WES has made available a free online Degree Equivalency Tool. Individuals with international education will find this tool beneficial as part of the credential assessment process.
Q5. What is the fee of WES?
Ans: WES has made available a free online Degree Equivalency Tool. Individuals with international education will find this tool beneficial as part of the credential assessment process.
Q6. Do we need IELTS for WES?
Ans: No, the World Education Services (WES) does not require International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. WES primarily focuses on evaluating and verifying academic credentials, such as transcripts and degrees, for international students.
Q7. What is the difference between WES ICAP and basic?
Ans: WES ICAP includes verified transcript storage and direct delivery to institutions, while WES Basic provides essential document evaluation without these additional services.
Q8. What is the difference between Wes ECA and WES ICAP?
Ans: WES ECA assesses the equivalence of international educational credentials for immigration purposes, whereas WES ICAP additionally includes verified transcript storage and direct delivery to institutions.
Q9. Which is better, ICAS or WES?
Ans: The choice between ICAS (International Credential Assessment Service of Canada) and WES (World Education Services) depends on individual preferences and requirements, as both are reputable credential evaluation services; it’s advisable to check with the specific institution or immigration programme to determine their preferred service.
Q10. Does the WES ICAP evaluation expire?
Ans: WES ICAP evaluations do not have an expiration date, but institutions may have their own policies regarding the acceptance of older evaluations.
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